Journal of Educational Sciences
Vol. 10 No. 3 (2026): Journal of Educational Sciences

Directive Speech Acts of School Principals toward Teachers at SMA Negeri 1 Banawa: A Sociopragmatic Study

Finarti, Finarti (Unknown)
Tahir, Mohammad (Unknown)
Agustan, Agustan (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study examines directive speech acts used by school principals in educational leadership communication. It aims to describe the forms, functions, and social contexts of directive speech acts employed by the principal toward teachers at SMA Negeri 1 Banawa. This research adopts a sociopragmatic approach using a descriptive qualitative method. Data were collected through direct observation, interviews, and recordings of communication interactions between the principal and teachers in various situations, including meetings, coaching sessions, and informal conversations. Data analysis was conducted by identifying types of directive speech acts based on Searle’s theory and interpreting their social contexts through Leech’s politeness principle. The findings reveal that the principal’s directive speech acts take the forms of commands, requests, suggestions, prohibitions, and invitations. Their primary functions are to direct, regulate, and motivate teachers in carrying out their professional responsibilities. Socially, the use of directive speech acts is influenced by power relations, social distance, and communication settings. The principal consistently applies politeness strategies to maintain harmonious relationships and to enhance communication effectiveness within the school environment.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JES

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Library & Information Science Other

Description

JES publishes original articles on the latest issues and trends occurring regionally and internationally in the educational sciences with the aim to advance our knowledge both in term of theory and practice. Moreover, this journal also covers the issues concerned with the following special sections: ...